Love on Beach Avenue(19)

“She doesn’t like any of those dresses, you know.”

She whirled around and faced her verbal torturer. “You’re draining all the magical, positive energy from this entire experience,” she hissed. “Can’t you just try and believe?”

That caused him to treat her to half a smile. The man would be so much more approachable if he’d just loosen up a bit and show his teeth.

“Please tell me you don’t believe in that crap,” he said.

“I do. It’s powerful stuff, and I think you’re blocking Ally’s ability to connect with her perfect dress.”

His smile broadened. Slowly, he set down his glass and stretched out his legs. She spotted his plain black dress socks. Had he ever worn such a loud color? Gotten crazy drunk? Broken the rules in the pursuit of fun? Or had he just been born old and boring? Ally had only told her he worked in computers, had been an early recruit in DC, and was her legal guardian—who took the job seriously.

“I hate to tell you this, but you haven’t been picking out the right dresses for her,” he said.

Her jaw dropped. “We’ve tried various styles, and they all look amazing. She’s just scared to make a commitment. Many brides are like that.”

He shook his head. The crisp strands of his hair gleamed a deep blue-black, emphasizing his heavy brows and olive-toned skin. He looked nothing like Ally, with her bright hair and freckles. From the pictures her friend had shown her, Carter resembled their father, and Ally their mother.

“Ally is pretending to know what she wants because she’s afraid the real type of dress she’d like to try wouldn’t look good on her.”

Amusement cut through her. Oh, he thought he was a professional now, huh? Figured he could pick his sister a wedding dress after two hours of watching her and Vera empty the inventory. She crossed her arms in front of her chest and regarded him with pursed lips. “I see. Let me guess. You know what type of dress she really wants.”

“Correct.”

A laugh escaped her. “If you knew, why didn’t you share this important information with us?”

He shrugged. “I wanted to see if you’d impress me.” He paused. “You didn’t.”

Shock battled with the thirst for justice. She couldn’t let such an insult go by without challenging him. “Care to make a bet?” she drawled.

He leaned in, seemingly intrigued. “What kind?”

“I’ll give you two shots. If Vera’s sleight of hand doesn’t work, you go and pick out two dresses you think Ally will like. If she picks one as the dress, you win.”

“What do I get?”

She shot him a look. “Really? How about your sister’s happiness.”

“And you buy me dinner.”

Avery stared in astonishment. “You want to take me to dinner?”

“No, I want you to buy me dinner. There’s a big difference.”

Her cheeks burned. Oh, he was a monster. Able to humiliate her with his cutting, casual words and bored demeanor. “What if I win?”

“Besides my sister’s happiness? How about I keep my many opinions to myself?”

She perked up. “Really? You’d stop complaining and second-guessing me and following us around with that lemon face?”

He grunted. “I don’t have a lemon face.”

“Yeah, you do. You remind me of Debbie Downer on Saturday Night Live. Wah-waaah!”

Now he looked irritated. “You’re being ridiculous. I’ll take the bet.”

Ally came back out, but this time she had all the extras to make her look like a real bride. Vera had swept up her hair and secured it with a headpiece and veil that trailed behind her in sheer lacy glory. Tiny pearls were clipped to her ears. A shimmery necklace accentuated the low bodice.

Avery sighed. “You’re stunning,” she said. “What do you think?”

“Oh, I feel beautiful,” she said with a smile. “I love the veil, and I think this is definitely my favorite out of all of them. Carter?”

“Dazzling,” he said.

“What do you think, sweets? Is this the one?” Avery asked.

Ally hesitated. Stared into the mirror. Opened her mouth. “I don’t know.”

The statement held a tad of desperation, and suddenly, Avery felt horrible. Had she been pushing her friend in the wrong direction? Pressured her to pick too soon? With the tight time schedule, it was vital to find a dress this week, but she didn’t want Ally not to love and adore it. That was primary.

Vera gave her a warm smile. “It’s okay not to know. This is your first trip, and sometimes it can be overwhelming. Why don’t we reschedule for Friday so you can take some time to think? I have two more dresses I can have overnighted to me for you to try.”

Carter unrolled his long frame from the chair. “Ally-Cat, just hang out for a few. I want you to try on a dress for me, okay?”

His sister laughed. “Are you looking for a new career or something?”

“Sure, maybe I’ll partner up with Avery.” He winked. “Be right back.”

He strode out toward the main salon with the racks as if he knew exactly how to shop for a wedding dress. As if he could tell fit, design, and what Ally would like from viewing it behind a thick plastic wrap. Vera chatted with Ally, trying to see if there was another style she’d like to try on Friday, and before long, Carter came trudging back with one dress.